Mrs Helen Mutfwang, wife of Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, has urged families, governments and other stakeholders to join forces against drug abuse, insisting that prevention remains the most effective weapon in the fight against substance abuse.
Mutfwang made the call on Tuesday in Jos during the state’s commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs.
She said the 2026 theme, “World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” reflected the growing threat posed by synthetic drugs and technology-driven drug trafficking, which require fresh and innovative responses.
According to her, the theme provides an opportunity for governments, communities and institutions to strengthen collective efforts against substance abuse and organised drug-related crimes worldwide.
Mutfwang warned that drug abuse continues to destroy dreams, weaken families, fuel criminal activities, reduce productivity and place enormous pressure on healthcare and security systems.
She stressed that the menace also threatens the future of young people, urging parents, teachers, religious leaders, community leaders and government officials to work together to protect children through strong family values, education, counselling and rehabilitation support.
The governor’s wife said the Plateau State Government had adopted a multi-sectoral approach to tackling drug abuse by partnering with federal agencies, traditional institutions, civil society organisations and local communities.
“The government complements the efforts of the NDLEA through awareness campaigns, youth empowerment programmes, school and community engagements, rehabilitation services, mental health support and stronger security collaboration,” she said.
Mutfwang reaffirmed her commitment to supporting partnerships that promote youth empowerment, advocacy and community awareness, adding that only united action can eliminate the scourge of illicit drugs across the state.
She also advised young people to reject addiction, embrace education and pursue purposeful and productive lives.
“I encourage parents to maintain open communication with their children, provide proper guidance and intervene early when they notice harmful influences,” she added.
Mutfwang commended security agencies, healthcare workers, educators and counsellors for their contributions to the fight against drug abuse, expressing confidence that sustained collective commitment would create healthier, safer and drug-free communities across Plateau State.
Also speaking, the Plateau Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Caroline Dafur, called on parents, communities, traditional rulers and relevant agencies to unite in preventing drug abuse while supporting rehabilitation, awareness and youth protection initiatives.
The keynote speaker, Dr Kurkat Maigida, a Consultant Psychiatrist at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, praised the governor’s wife and the Ministry of Women Affairs for mobilising stakeholders against substance abuse.
Maigida explained that drugs alter both body and brain functions, noting that although some medicines have legitimate medical uses, the misuse of legal and illicit substances often leads to addiction, mental illness and criminal behaviour.
She warned that synthetic drugs and dangerous mixtures of substances are increasingly attracting younger users.
“I call on parents and communities to recognise emerging trends, identify suspicious substances early and prevent abuse before it takes root,” she said.
Maigida emphasised that strong families, effective schools, supportive communities and accessible treatment services remain critical to prevention.
She therefore called for sustained public education, stronger collaboration and coordinated national action to curb substance abuse across the country.
Source: NAN
